Pottery, painting and pizza venue opens doors
Pottery, painting and pizza aren’t normally found together under one roof but a Liverpool city region entrepreneur is combining the three as he opens the doors to his new venue. Andrew Brown reports
Southport’s first ever pottery painting and pizza parlour is now open.
Clay & Crust has now opened its doors in the former Fuego’s restaurant building at 3-5 Stanley Street, Southport town centre. It will open seven days a week, offering customers the opportunity to paint pottery while enjoying food and drink.
And Clay & Crust will also be offering pottery parties, dropping pottery off at people’s homes where children (or adults) can paint away before taking them back into the venue to be fired and completed.
Joe Bolger is the entrepreneur behind the venture. He has a wealth of experience in the hospitality industry at venues across the North West. He said: “We are now open. We would love you to come down.
“We are on Stanley Street in Southport. Come down, eat some pizzas, paint some pottery, have a great time, you are all welcome, see you soon.
“Whether you’re planning a catch-up with friends, a family outing, a date night, or some well-deserved creative time for yourself, there’s never been a better time to visit. Choose your pottery, get creative, enjoy delicious food and drinks, and save on your studio fee while you do it.”
It has taken a lot of work by Joe and friend Kyle Hendry to transform the empty restaurant into a brand new creative space for people of all ages. Joe added: “People say it’s harder when you open than when you’re building, but I feel the opposite.
“It feels fantastic to be open. We have had lots of bookings from people already, and lots of superb feedback from people who have been in to see it. We’ve had lots of support from our neighbours too including Beauty Beyond Belief, The Oast House, Lilibets and The Shamraat.
“It has been a massive undertaking to get open with some unforeseen challenges along the way but we’ve got here!
“It has been worth it. The reception we’ve had from people has been fantastic.
“There is something for everyone here whether it’s family days out, friends getting together and painting some pottery, painting parties, and more.
“Lots of hen-dos, baby showers and birthday parties these days love to do something creative and mindful rather than just going out drinking, and this is the perfect place to do it. It’s great for date nights or days or nights out with friends.”
READ MORE: Major facelift for Southport gateway mall
READ MORE: Liverpool site set for three towers and a hotel
For Joe, opening Clay & Crust is a continuation of his family’s long and successful investment in Southport. He explained: “My dad, Steven Bolger, ran the popular Le Frog restaurant in Southport, and also the Cafe Bar in Ormskirk.
“My brother, Daniel Bolger, owns Penelope’s restaurant in Southport, Emily’s restaurant in Formby and Ghetto Golf in Liverpool city centre. I have worked in hospitality since I was 14 or 15 years old.
“My first ever job was working in a pottery painting studio, so my life’s now come full circle. When this site became available, I felt it was divine intervention and I decided to come in and give Clay & Crust a go.”